What to do in the 24 hours before a VCE exam

Andy Li
Oct 26
2 min read

The final day before a high school exam can be stressful, but with the right approach, those 24 hours can make a real difference in your VCE performance. Instead of cramming, the goal should be to consolidate what you know, stay calm, and prepare your mind and body for success.

1. Morning the day before: Review, Don’t Cram

Start your day by revising summaries, key formulas, or flashcards — not entire chapters. Focus on retrieval practice (testing yourself), which research shows is far more effective than rereading notes (Exam Study Expert, 2024). Make sure you also know the format of the exam and double-check your materials. Pack your bag with stationery, calculator, water bottle, ID, and any permitted materials.

2. Afternoon the day before: Rest and Refresh

Avoid long, exhausting study blocks. Study in short bursts, then take a break — even a short walk helps memory consolidation (Skills You Need, 2024). Eat a balanced meal, stay hydrated, and try to avoid too much caffeine. If you’re feeling nervous, practise deep breathing or short mindfulness sessions.

3. Evening the day before: Light Review and Sleep

Do one final short review session in the early evening. Focus on quick recall of main ideas and problem types rather than deep study.Then, switch off screens and relax before bed — blue light and mental stimulation can reduce sleep quality. Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep (preferably 8-9), which strengthens memory and concentration (Kaplan, 2024).

4. Morning of exam day: Confidence and Calm

Eat a good breakfast with complex carbs and protein (like oats and fruit). Avoid skipping breakfast — low blood sugar affects focus. Arrive 15–30 minutes early so you can settle in and breathe. Avoid discussing the exam with friends — it often increases anxiety, not confidence (CourseHero, 2024), but be sociable still and try talk about what you normally would.

The 24 hours before a VCE exam aren’t about learning more — they’re about performing better. With calm focus, rest, and preparation, you’ll walk into the exam ready to show what you know. Cramming and studying heaps the day before your exam might not do anything for your performance if you're not taking care of health.